To escape from the humdrum of daily life, sneak out a weekend on the borders of India, on the banks of Ichamati River in the small town of Taki. In West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, Taki is a municipality under the Basirhat subdivision. An extremely peaceful place to rest in a bagan bari near the banks of Ichhamati as well a nice place to go sightseeing, Taki is the place to be this weekend. BOOKING DETAILS OF TAKI

Places to see in Taki: You can enjoy the mid-river experience of meeting the countrymen of Bangladesh, on the Ichamati River, where tourists from both countries ride on boats to get a close view of the other country. You can also visit the ruins of zamindar houses, Ramkrishna Missions, Kuleshwari Kali Temple, 300 years old Jora Shib Mandir, Golpatar jungle and General Shankar Roychowdhury’s adi bari.

Nearby attractions in Taki: Machranga River Island is a nearby destination to visit from Taki. The mini Sundarbans, consisting of Sundari and Golpata trees have been created here by the municipality.

Ruins of Zamindar bari, Taki

Things to do in Taki: Being close to our neighboring country Bangladesh, a boat ride on the waters of Ichamoti is an activity you surely cannot miss. Another boat ride to the Machranga Island is also a nice thing to be done here. Hire a van rickshaw and visit the Golpatar jungle. The experience of the newly made canopy jungle path walk inside the Golpatar jungle is unique and interesting. Remember to carry a photo identity proof if you want to visit the Golpatar jungle, as BSF will only let you enter the region if you have one. While in Taki, you must try the famous sweet “chanar malpoa.” of this region.

Boat ride on Ichhamati river

How to reach Taki: You can take the Hasnabad Local Train from Sealdah Station, to reach Taki Road Station (train takes around 2 hours). From Taki Road you can take a cycle van to arrive at the hotels on the banks of River Icchamati in 10 minutes. Other than this, you can also reach Taki by car or ride a bus from the Esplanade, which will take all together 3.5 hours to get to the place. From Science City Taki is about 75 kms via Ghatakpur. You can also take the Taki road from Barasat Chapadali crossing then reach Berachapa, Trimohini crossing and then Taki Thuba.

Best time to visit Taki: Taki can be visited any time of the year. However, the most suitable time to visit Taki is during the winter season, especially due to the original jaggery or Patali Gur available there. Another time to visit, which is equally memorable, is to watch the Goddess Durga immersion following the Durga puja. This is a spectacular event in Taki as idols from both the countries are immersed on the waters of Ichamati together.

Baganbari at Taki

Lodging and Dining facilities at Taki: There are few private guesthouses in Taki. However, the best place to stay in Taki is a Bagan bari (Garden house) away from the picnicking crowd. A beautiful pond, open lawn for kids to play, a temple, a small art collection and all modern facilities like AC, attached western bathrooms, make this bagan bari the coziest accommodation in Taki. The Icchamati river is only 3 mins walk from this baganbari. You should do prior booking at this bagan bari before you actually reach Taki, as most weekends are pretty busy.

The food at Taki is amazing. Since, the small township is located on the banks of Ichamati River, you can savor the various delicacies of the freshly cooked fishes like Hilsa (Ilish), Rohu, Prawn (Chingri), Parshe and Pabda. Meals of chicken and mutton are also available at the guesthouses at nominal prices. Enjoying rolls, ghugnis, phuchkas and tea on the shores of Ichamati in the evening can be quite relaxing.